MacArthur Elementary raises big bucks with mere pennies

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School students and staff raided their piggy banks to come up with 420,000 one-cent pieces for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s annual Pennies for Patients national fundraiser.

For the mathematically challenged, that translates to $4,200 raised by MacArthur’s staff, students and families over three weeks in February. They joined more than 10 million other students in collecting loose change — though check and credit card donations also are accepted — to help patients and their families while funding research.

Local organizers say they are raising expectations for next year’s donation drive, including looking for an area business to partner with the students’ efforts. If interested in matching the dollars raised by the Janneys Lane school, contact Student Council Association cosponsor Matthew Holland at matthew.holland@acps.k12.va.us.

Pennies for Patients began in 1994 and is part of LLS’ School and Youth Programs, which includes Pasta for Pennies and HOP for Leukemia and Lymphoma.

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